solve

[solv]

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verb (used with object), solved, solv·ing.

to find the answer or explanation for; clear up; explain: to solve the mystery of the missing books.

to work out the answer or solution to (a mathematical problem).

Nearby words

Origin of solve

1400–50; late Middle English solven < Latin solvere to loosen, free, release, dissolve

SYNONYMS FOR solve

1. resolve, unravel, untangle, crack.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR solve ON THESAURUS.COM

Related formssolv·er, nounpre·solve, verb (used with object), pre·solved, pre·solv·ing.un·solved, adjectivewell-solved, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for solve

This is the first study of its kind in Turkey and raises the possibility that a private solution could solve a public problem.
The Women Battling an Islamist Strongman|Christina Asquith|December 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
To solve the problem, we need to study a lot more comets and meteorites.
Are Comets the Origin of Earth’s Oceans?|Matthew R. Francis|December 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Is there anyone who thinks the urgent problem we need to solve in Washington, D.C. is how to allow more spending on campaigns?
Just What We Needed: More Campaign Spending|Mark McKinnon|December 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“I doubt you can solve range and the need for a large magazine with the same missile,” he said.
Pentagon Worries That Russia Can Now Outshoot U.S. Stealth Jets|Dave Majumdar|December 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Why are you trying to solve a cultural problem with a political solution?
Dear Evangelicals: You’re Being Had|Jay Michaelson|November 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Mother was of a determined disposition, and seldom failed to solve a domestic problem.
Tuskegee & Its People: Their Ideals and Achievements|Various
So Hans became another factor in the problem the unexpected had given Edith Nelson to solve.
Love of Life|Jack London
I remained silent, striving vainly to frame some innocent question which should solve for me the problem of who and what she was.
My Lady of the North|Randall Parrish
King Nokve, who ruled over Raumsdal, was the brother of Solve's mother.
Heimskringla|Snorri Sturlason
He was sorry he had ventured to solve the mystery of the up-shooting stream of water, for he was worse than an outcast.
Five Thousand Miles Underground|Roy Rockwood

British Dictionary definitions for solve

solve

verb (tr)

to find the explanation for or solution to (a mystery, problem, etc)

maths

to work out the answer to (a problem)
to obtain the roots of (an equation)

Derived Formssolver, noun

Word Origin for solve

C15: from Latin solvere to loosen, release, free from debt

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for solve

solve

late 14c., "to disperse, dissipate, loosen," from Latin solvere "to loosen, dissolve; untie, release, detach; depart; unlock; scatter; dismiss; accomplish, fulfill; explain; remove," from PIE *se-lu-, from reflexive pronoun *s(w)e- (see idiom) + root *leu- "to loosen, divide, cut apart" (see lose). The meaning "explain, answer" is attested from 1530s; for sense evolution, see solution. Mathematical use is attested from 1737. Related: Solved; solving.